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Redskins vs. Panthers preview: Matchups to watch, score prediction, more

By Jacob Camenker

LANDOVER, MARYLAND - OCTOBER 20: Running back Adrian Peterson #26 of the Washington Redskins lines up against the San Fransisco 49'ers at FedExField on October 20, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MARYLAND - OCTOBER 20: Running back Adrian Peterson #26 of the Washington Redskins lines up against the San Fransisco 49'ers at FedExField on October 20, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – NOVEMBER 24: Christian McCaffrey #22 of the Carolina Panthers reacts after scoring a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints during the third quarter in the game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on November 24, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – NOVEMBER 24: Christian McCaffrey #22 of the Carolina Panthers reacts after scoring a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints during the third quarter in the game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on November 24, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

Redskins defense vs. Panthers offense

The player that the Redskins are going to have trouble with on the defensive side of the ball is Christian McCaffrey. The Panthers running back is one of the best in the league and simply knows how to get the job done as a runner and a pass-catcher.

At one point this season, some were discussing McCaffrey as a potential MVP candidate. That chatter has since cooled, but he still has a lot of talent. And the Redskins don’t have the personnel to match up against him.

While the team may be getting Daron Payne back from an ankle injury that sidelined him last week, shoring up the run defense between the tackles is only half the battle. Even if the team can somewhat contain McCaffrey there, he will still be able to do a lot of damage out of the backfield as a receiver. The Redskins simply don’t have a player that can contain him in that area, so he could be in for a big day if Kyle Allen looks for him on checkdowns.

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Speaking of Allen, his play will be critical in helping to decide this contest. Prior to last week’s near-win over the Saints, Allen was mired in a slump and was struggling with turnovers. If he regresses to that form against the Redskins, they will be able to stay in the game as they did against the Lions.

To do that, they’ll have to get pressure on Allen much like they pressured Jeff Driskel in last week’s game. Keep an eye on Montez Sweat, Jonathan Allen, and Matt Ioannidis in this game as they battle a solid Carolina O-Line. Ryan Kerrigan could have an impact as well, but he is dealing with a concussion, so his status for the game remains to be seen.

The other top matchup to watch on defense will be Quinton Dunbar against D.J. Moore. Both have been playing very well in recent weeks, and Dunbar made a clutch play to give the ‘Skins a chance to beat the Lions last week. Meanwhile, Moore is coming off a two-touchdown outing, so he will be the receiver the Redskins need to focus on most along with McCaffrey out of the backfield.

Overall, the advantage on this side of the ball likely belongs to the Panthers. The Redskins may be able to slow them down a bit, but McCaffrey is simply too talented for Washington to stop outright.

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